Europe agrees landmark AI Regulation Deal

Central Idea European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced on the provisional deal on the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation. Finally, the EU becomes the first continent to set clear rules for AI use, following a long negotiation between the European Parliament and EU member states. EU’s AI Legal Framework Safeguards and Restrictions: The legislation includes strict… Continue reading

In news: Operation Storm Makers II

Central Idea The Interpol operation Storm Makers II against fraud schemes fuelled by victims of human trafficking has unearthed further evidence that the trend is expanding beyond the Southeast Asian region. About Operation Storm Makers II This operation was a special mission organized by Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, France. The operation took place from October 16… Continue reading

PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Empowering Traditional Craftspeople

Central Idea The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show. PM Vishwakarma Scheme The PM Vishwakarma Scheme boasts an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, fully funded by the… Continue reading

Expulsion of MP from Lok Sabha

Central Idea: Expulsion of Mahua Moitra A Member of Parliament from West Bengal was expelled from the Lok Sabha over allegations of a cash-for-query scandal. Her expulsion highlights the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards and parliamentary etiquette in legislative proceedings. Parliamentary Etiquette and Rules Expected Conduct of MPs: MPs must adhere to rules of… Continue reading

Specie in news: Mauritian Dodo

Central Idea Mauritian authorities are now working to resurrect the human-caused extinct bird ‘Dodo’. About Mauritian Dodo Details Scientific Name Raphus cucullatus Physical Characteristics Large, flightless bird; about 1 meter tall, weighing 10-18 kg; large beak, stubby wings. Habitat Endemic to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean; lived in forests and possibly coastal areas.… Continue reading

Advisory issued against drug ‘Meftal’

Central Idea Pharma standard body Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert for commonly used painkiller mefenamic acid, popularly sold under the brand name Meftal. What is Meftal used for? Meftal 500, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is usually prescribed in treatment for conditions like menstrual pain, headache, muscle, joint, or dental… Continue reading

Why Parliament passed the Advocates Amendment Bill?

Central Idea The primary aim of the recent legislative changes is to eliminate ‘touts’ from the legal system and streamline legal practice in India. The Legal Practitioners Act, 1879, a colonial-era law, and the Advocates Act, 1961, have been central to the regulation of legal practitioners in India. The Bill repeals the 1879 Act and… Continue reading

Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and Its Implications

Central Idea The Odisha Government invoked its Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) prohibiting strikes by paramedical staff, including nurses, pharmacists and technicians to ensure that medical services are not disrupted. About Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) Description: The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Parliament in 1968.… Continue reading

Specie in news: Megamouth Shark

Central Idea In a historic moment for marine biology, a pregnant megamouth shark, a rare and elusive deepwater species, was discovered washed up on a beach in the Philippines. This is only the 60th ever seen and the first ever observed to be pregnant. About Megamouth Shark Details Scientific Name Megachasma pelagios Discovery First discovered… Continue reading

Ethanol Production Policy: New Directive on Sugarcane Usage

Central Idea The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued a directive to sugar mills and distilleries, not to use sugarcane juice or syrup for ethanol production in the ethanol year 2023-2024. No Sugarcane Juice for Ethanol Production Continuation of Existing Supplies: The directive allows the continued supply of ethanol from B-Heavy molasses… Continue reading

SC affirms “Group of Companies’ Doctrine

Central Idea The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling, expanding the scope of arbitration agreements to include non-signatories under specific conditions. This ruling centers on the “group of companies” doctrine within the framework of arbitration agreements. ‘Group of Companies’ Doctrine Details Essence Non-signatory entities in a corporate group can be bound by an arbitration… Continue reading

Article 99 of the UN Charter

Central Idea The UN General Secretary wrote under Article 99 about the escalating threats to peace and security due to the situation in Gaza. He mentioned the human suffering, deaths, and destruction in Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory, emphasizing the need for a humanitarian ceasefire. Understanding Article 99 Charter as an International Treaty: The… Continue reading

Story of Kashmir’s Accession to India

Central Idea Union Home Minister recently criticized Jawaharlal Nehru’s handling of the Kashmir issue, citing two major blunders. In response, opposition highlighted Nehru’s commitment to integrating Kashmir into India, contrasting with Sardar Patel’s initial willingness to cede Kashmir for Hyderabad. Nehru, Patel, and the Accession Conundrum Post-Colonial Challenges: After British departure in 1947, Jammu and… Continue reading

Google unveils ‘Gemini AI Model’

Central Idea Google has introduced Gemini, a new multimodal general AI model, available globally through Bard. It is seen as Google’s response to ChatGPT, offering advanced capabilities in the realm of GenAI. What is Google Gemini? Unlike ChatGPT, Gemini can process and operate across various formats including text, code, audio, image, and video. Google claims… Continue reading

Global Cooling Pledge at COP28

Central Idea At the COP28 climate summit on November 6, 63 countries, including the US, Canada, and Kenya, signed the world’s first pledge to reduce cooling emissions. Global Cooling Pledge Term: This pledge aims to cut cooling emissions by at least 68% by 2050, addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases. Current Contribution to Global… Continue reading

Supreme Court makes video on Kesavananda Bharati Verdict

Central Idea The Supreme Court of India released a video in 10 Indian languages, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment delivered on April 24, 1973. The Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala case is a cornerstone in Indian constitutional law, redefining the relationship between Parliament and the Constitution. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)… Continue reading

Centre’s Ethanol Policy Shift: Impact on Sugar and Ethanol Industries

Central Idea The Centre has taken significant steps to increase domestic sugar availability, including banning sugar exports and restricting the diversion of sugar for ethanol production. On December 7, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production. Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme… Continue reading

Garba makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Central Idea Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition makes Garba the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which was added two years ago. About Garba What is it? Garba is a traditional… Continue reading

[pib] Panchayat Development Index (PDI)

Central Idea The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is leading the effort to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A report on the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) has been released to evaluate the progress of grassroots institutions in achieving Localized SDGs (LSDGs). About Panchayat Development Index (PDI) PDI… Continue reading

Strategic Auction of Critical Mineral Blocks

Central Idea The Centre is auctioning twenty blocks of critical minerals for commercial mining by the private sector. These blocks contain lithium ore and 10 of the 30 minerals declared as “critical” by the government in July. What are Critical Minerals? Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk… Continue reading

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